This continuing education program is certified by the State of Texas and therefore subject to State regulation. Therefore, attendance for the entire length of each session is mandatory in order to earn certification. Leaving the class for extended periods of time, arriving significantly late and leaving early will jeopardize your certification. Candidates seeking certification may take up to 12 months to complete the series.

The following courses will be offered in the spring, summer and fall semesters. The cost for each class is $210. Continental breakfast, lunch, books and materials are included in your tuition cost.

2009 Semesters

Session 1: Nonprofit Organizations
Session 2: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
Session 3: Program Planning & Management
Session 4: Financial Management
Session 5: Human Resource Management
Session 6: Funds Development & Management
Session 7: Branding, Marketing & PR

This session provides an overview of the nonprofit, or third, sector, and involves discussion of its unique culture and challenges. Topics include:

• A history of the third sector in the U.S.
• Legal distinctions of nonprofit organizations (NPOs)
• Mission, vision, purpose, and the double bottom line
• Unique operational components of NPOs
• Contemporary challenges and management trends

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This session examines the fundamental role that strategic thinking, alignment, and planning play in effective and sustainable growth of nonprofit organizations. Topics include:

• Distinct features of strategic thinking, alignment, and planning
• Basics of visioning and strategic planning processes
• Planning to evaluate: dynamics of outcome orientation and future planning
• Aligning mission, vision, and resources
• Technology as essential to evaluating organizational direction

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Session 3: Program Planning & Management
Essentials for Delivering on Mission

This session addresses the programmatic component of nonprofit operations, detailing how activities of the organization provide the vehicle for delivering on the agency's mission. Topics include:

• Types of activities related to NPO mission and purpose
• Planning tools for programs and projects
• Budgeting resources for effective program delivery
• Identifying and tracking outcome measures
• Technology as essential to operational effectiveness

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Session 4: Financial Management
Accounting for Achievement

This session introduces financial management essentials for effective and legal nonprofit operations. Topics include:

• Nonprofit accounting structures and statutes
• Accountability, internal controls and risk management
• Budgeting and tax issues
• Technology as essential to effective financial management

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This session reviews the unique human resource structures that are fundamental to nonprofit organizations. Topics include:

• Understanding employment law
• Understanding the culture of service
• Establishing policies and procedures
• Motivating volunteer staff
• Engaging the volunteer board
• Using technology to manage human resources

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This session covers the basics essential to finding and cultivating financial resources that support delivery on the organization’s mission. Topics include:

• Organizational readiness for resource development
• Consideration of external factors for success
• Selecting effective fund development strategies
• Processes and policies for sustainability
• Technology as essential to effective fund development

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This session examines the basic elements of the marketing process for nonprofit organizations. Topics include:

• The interplay of branding, marketing, PR, education, and advocacy
• The interplay of marketing and sales functions with fund development
• Creating and sustaining a marketing orientation within the organization
• Marketing strategies and planning
• Technology as essential to effective organizational positioning

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